Page 20 of All Your Bloody Lies

S Diar [02:33]

Tell me about him.

Why? Nothing to tell.

S Diar [02:34]

Obviously something happened. You didn’t kill him.

I’m a little frustrated that both her and Harper said the same thing. Am I that easy to read? I didn’t kill everyone that pissed me off. Almost, but not all.

I didn’t get the chance. I said he’s a dead man, remember?

S Diar [02:34]

A Vampire from reports. What did he smell like?

I’m not sharing that with you.

S Diar [02:34]

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeee?

??????

I don’t respond. Instead, I slip my phone into my pants, grab my wireless earbuds, and put them into my ears. I tap twice, and my music begins playing. I’m unconcerned about being followed; I’m honestly more confused than anything. Why hasn’t my stalker made a move? It’s not like he hasn’t already ripped me away in the middle of a dance floor. Sure, I could make a scene, but I won't,and he has to know that.

There’s a reason I’m leaving myself open and vulnerable. The sooner we tussle, the better. I have this sneaking suspicion he won’t leave me alone until one of us is dead—and I wonder if he knows enough of my kind to understand that I can’t be killed.

As I make my way out of the subway station, emerging into the darkened streets, I feel the tingling sensation of his eyes on me.

“Fucking dog.”

Annoying.

7

Xeraphine

It’s been two weeks since I’ve fed, and I’m more frustrated than I think I’ve ever been. I couldn’t have been more excited for this date, and while the guy in front of me is shorter than I am and smells like gym socks, I’ll be more than happy to feast on him later. Maybe he will surprise me and be a short king. Something tells me otherwise though, especially since I can see his stained tongue every time he takes a drink.

“I have to ask,” he finally changes the subject away from cars, and while I’d rather him just shut up, I’m pleased in some sense, “why is someone like you,” he gestures at me with his index finger that’s holding the glass, “on a dating app? How, not that I’m complaining, thank the Vayl for it, are you single?”

Crossing my legs, I adjust my skirt. “Guess I’m picky,” my girlish giggle is enough to play it off as a joke. Even if I wasn’t a deranged murderer seeking revenge, there is absolutely no one in this world that could keep me settled. Just the thought of feasting on the same person for eternity makes the sparkling wine taste like piss.

“Is that so?” The way he smiles at me then makes me feel a bit queasy. Like he understands I’m a challenge and wants to give it a try.

Giving a gentle smile, I turn away as though in thought. Truthfully, I just need a moment to not make a smart remark.

The restaurant at least is lavish, and if I were a gold-digging slut, I’d be eating this right up.

We are on the first floor of the restaurant, our table situated against the patio overlooking the coastline. The one-way street between us and the sandy shore isn’t very busy, which would be nice if I truly was taking in the romance of this date. I don’t like many things, but the smell of the sea definitely stirs something within me. If only my means allowed, I'd eagerly choose residence in one of the apartments closest to the waterfront.

The waitress pulls my attention, setting down our appetizer: oysters and breadsticks. My date will definitely be brushing his teeth before those lips come anywhere near mine. Especially that tongue…

Just as I’m about to begin dining on the unappetizing dish in front of me, a sultry voice slithers into my ear.

“Cheating on me, huh?”

---